Aleda Madison: A Trailblazer in Adoption Advocacy Honored by NCFA
Celebrating a legacy in adoption advocacy
This November, during National Adoption Month, the adoption community will come together to celebrate an incredible milestone in the life of Aleda Madison, Founder of Madison Adoption Associates (MAA). On November 19th, Aleda will be inducted into the National Council For Adoption (NCFA) Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition honors Aleda’s decades-long dedication to advocating for children and families in the adoption world, marking a momentous occasion for both her and the families she has impacted throughout her career.
Who Is Aleda Madison?
Aleda Madison’s journey in adoption advocacy began with her own deeply personal experience as both a biological and adoptive mother. After facing fertility challenges and navigating complex domestic adoption processes, Aleda and her husband, Chuck, turned to international adoption. In 1980, they adopted their first son, Michael, from Colombia, followed by their second son, Christopher, from the same orphanage in 1983. These experiences ignited Aleda’s passion for helping other families facing similar struggles.
In 1981, Aleda founded Madison Adoption Associates, driven by her desire to make the adoption process easier and more accessible for families like hers. Over the years, MAA has grown into a trusted agency that facilitates adoptions across the world, as well as domestic adoptions and foster care placements. Aleda’s hands-on approach and relentless commitment to finding loving homes for children have changed countless lives. Her expertise extends far beyond facilitating adoptions; Aleda has also provided guidance to legal professionals, policymakers, and judges, using her knowledge to advocate for children in need.
Her greatest joy comes from meeting children abroad and working tirelessly to match them with their forever families. Aleda’s passion and compassion are the foundation of MAA’s ongoing mission to create positive change for children and families across the globe. This year, Aleda’s incredible contributions to adoption will be formally recognized with her induction into the NCFA Hall of Fame.
What Is NCFA?
The National Council For Adoption (NCFA) is a leading voice in adoption advocacy, education, and research. Established in 1980, NCFA is dedicated to promoting a culture of adoption, improving adoption policies, and supporting birth parents, adoptive families, and adopted children. The organization works tirelessly to raise awareness about adoption as a positive option for children and families, and to ensure that adoption remains a viable and supported choice for those in need.
NCFA’s work focuses on advocating for sound public policies that benefit the adoption community, providing education and resources for those navigating the adoption process, and conducting research to better understand the experiences of all members of the adoption triad. Through partnerships with adoption agencies, government bodies, and advocacy groups, NCFA is at the forefront of advancing adoption as a lifelong, family-focused solution.
What Is the NCFA Hall of Fame?
The NCFA Hall of Fame was created to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the adoption community. Inductees are recognized for their leadership, advocacy, and dedication to improving the lives of children and families through adoption. The Hall of Fame serves as a way to highlight the achievements of adoption pioneers and advocates who have left a lasting impact on adoption policies and practices.
Being inducted into the NCFA Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor that recognizes an individual’s career achievements and their enduring influence on the adoption landscape. Aleda Madison’s induction is a testament to her lifelong commitment to ensuring that children, regardless of their background, can find loving homes and families to support them.
Aleda Madison’s Induction and the Event
The induction ceremony for Aleda Madison will take place on Tuesday, November 19th at 6 PM on in Washington, D.C. The event will be a celebration of Aleda’s legacy and the countless families she has touched through her work with Madison Adoption Associates. Attendees will have the opportunity to honor Aleda’s decades of service and hear firsthand about the impact she has had on the adoption community.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will also serve as an opportunity to support NCFA’s advocacy efforts. Attendees are encouraged to donate to support NCFA’s mission to educate lawmakers and policymakers about the importance of adoption and the need for continued support for adoptive families, birth parents, and children.
Local adoptive families and supporters are invited to join in celebrating this special occasion and paying tribute to Aleda’s remarkable contributions to adoption.
What Is National Adoption Month?
National Adoption Month, observed every November, is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the adoption process, the children in need of permanent homes, and the families who have opened their hearts to adoption. The month-long campaign focuses on promoting the importance of adoption, particularly for children in foster care, and encouraging more people to consider adopting or supporting adoptive families.
Each year, National Adoption Month spotlights the stories of children waiting for adoption and the impact adoption can have on their lives. It’s a time for communities to come together to share resources, celebrate families who have adopted, and highlight the ongoing need for more families to step forward. The theme often emphasizes the importance of finding homes for older children, sibling groups, and children with special needs, as these groups are typically harder to place.
Aleda Madison’s induction into the NCFA Hall of Fame during National Adoption Month adds even more significance to this year’s observance. Her work has embodied the spirit of National Adoption Month—bringing children and families together and advocating for adoption as a loving and life-changing choice.
The Power of Aleda Madison’s Legacy
Aleda Madison’s induction into the NCFA Hall of Fame is not just a recognition of her personal achievements, but it is also a celebration of the power of adoption and the families who have been transformed through it. Her legacy continues to thrive through Madison Adoption Associates, which has helped countless families complete their adoption journeys. Aleda’s work, combined with partnerships like that with the Gladney Center for Adoption, ensures that children continue to find their forever homes, whether through international, domestic, or foster care adoption.
Aleda’s story serves as an inspiration to the entire adoption community and a reminder of the positive impact one person can have when driven by compassion and a desire to help others. As we celebrate National Adoption Month, we also celebrate the life and work of Aleda Madison—an adoption pioneer who has spent her career ensuring that children around the world find the love and support they deserve.
Join Us in Celebrating Aleda Madison
On November 19th, we invite you to Washington, D.C., to celebrate Aleda Madison’s induction into the NCFA Hall of Fame. This special event is an opportunity to recognize her incredible contributions to adoption and to show support for the continued work of NCFA in advocating for children and families. Together, we can honor Aleda’s legacy and look forward to the future of adoption advocacy.
Learn more about Aleda’s inspiring story.
